National Capital District Health Services has confirmed that the measles outbreak in Port Moresby is spreading in urban areas.

Nine cases have been confirmed positive by the Central Public Health Laboratory at the Port Moresby General Hospital.

Despite the massive vaccination plan by NCD Health Authorities, the measles outbreak is creeping into urban communities in the city.

Today the Public Health Division in NCD said areas affected include North Waigani, Rainbow, Gerehu, Boroko, 8 mile and Tokarara. Ages affected ranged from 6 months to 17 years.

Dr Niko Wuatai from the Public Health Division said over 3,000 children have been vaccinated. He said the 20 clinics in NCD are working tirelessly to carry out the vaccination plan.

More effort has been done to place mobile clinics in hot spot areas.Meanwhile the Health Department and Education Department have issued a joint appeal for schools to have school children vaccinated with measles irrespective of either being vaccinated or not.

Students will also receive tetanus toxoid upon entry and exiting from schools.Testing from other provinces has been negative.